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HISTORY 


OF   THE 


PHEW,  N.  Y.  I VOLS. 


BY 


LIEUT.  EDWARD  DUFFY. 


HISTORY 


159™  REGIMENT,  N.Y.S.V. 


COMPILED  FROM  THE  DIARY  OF 


LIEUT.  EDWARD   DUFFY 


NEW  YORK 
1890 


r: 


ONE  HUNDRED  AND  FIFTY  COPIES 
REPRINTED  FROM 

"HUDSON  GAZETTE" 

1865 


No. 


HISTORY 


I59TH  REGIMENT,  N.Y.  S.  V, 


DURING  the  latter  part  of  October, 
1862,  negotiations  were  made  by 
which  the  i6yth  Regiment,  Colonel 
HOMER  A.  NELSON,  in  Camp  at 
Hudson,  was  consolidated  with  the 
1 59th  Regiment,  Lieutenant- Colonel 
EDWARD  L.  MOLINEUX,  in  camp  at 
Brooklyn.  The  consolidated  Regiment 
was  designated  the  i59th,  Colonel  NEL- 
son  retaining  command.  The  Regi 
ment  left  "Camp-Kelly,"  Hudson,  on 
the  3oth  day  of  October,  proceeded  on 
board  the  steamer  Connecticut,  arrived 
in  New  York  next  morning,  and  marched 


M160937 


i59th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

to  Park  Barracks.  Remained  there  un 
til  November  ist,  when  we  were  must 
ered,  into  the  United  States  service  by 
Lieutenant  R.  B.  Smith,  U.  S.  A.  Left 
Park  Barracks  and  marched  to  Castle 
Garden ;  from  there  proceeded  by  steam 
boat  to  Stateu  Island,  and  went  into 
Camp  at  New  Dorp.  Next  day  pitched 
our  tents  and  had  things  very  com 
fortable  . 

Colonel  Nelson  having  been  elected 
to  Congress  from  his  District,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  E.  L.  Molineux  was  appointed 
Colonel,  and  took  command  of  the 
Regiment,  which  he  virtually  had  from 
the  first. 

November  24th  the  Regiment  broke 
Camp  and  was  placed  on  board  U.S. 
steam  transport  Northern  Light,  pier 
No.  3,  North  River,  and  remained  at 
the  wharf  until  December  2d,  when  we 
hauled  into  the  stream.  Early  on  the 
morning  of  the  4th  weighed  anchor,  and 
the  1 59th  Regiment  put  to  sea.  On  the 
1 3th  we  reached  Ship  Island,  in  the 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.   V. 


Gulf  of  Mexico,  having  enjoyed  a  toler 
able  good  passage  for  the  season  of  the 
year,  being  more  fortunate  than  other 
ships  of  the  expedition,  some  of  them 
having  suffered  considerable  from 
rough  weather  off  Cape  Hatteras. 

December  i4th  reached  New  Orleans, 
and  anchored  in  the  stream  over  night. 
—  The  following  day  pursued  our  course 
up  the  river  to  Baton  Rouge,  and  arriv 
ed  there  on  the  lyth.  The  enemy, 
learning  of  our  approach  in  force,  con 
cluded  to  evacuate,  while  our  monitors 
gave  them  a  parting  salute,  and  the  same 
day  the  Stars  and  Stripes  were  hoisted 
to  the  breeze  from  the  Capitol,  amid  the 
shouts  and  cheers  of  the  gratified 
soldiers. 

Now  the  work  began  of  making  thor 
ough  soldiers  of  men,  the  greater  por 
tion  of  whom  never  used-fire  arms 
before,  at  least  not  in  the  manner 
required  by  the  service.  Squad,  Com 
pany,  Battalion,  and  Brigade  drill,  with 
any  quantity  of  discipline  considered 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


essential  to  fit  men  for  the  campaigning 
and  hardships  visible  in  the  distance, 
were  gone  through  with. 

Perhaps  few  in  the  volunteer  service, 
none  of  whom  could  boast  of  very  much 
practical  experience,  were  better  adapted 
than  Colonel  Molineux  for  this  severe 
task;  very  quick,  energetic,  ambitious 
to  do  his  own  duty  and  to  keep  every 
man  in  his  command  busy,  was  the  true 
secret  of  his  success  as  a  disciplinarian. 

For  nearly  three  months  the  men 
were  kept  steadily  under  instruction, 
and  became  quite  proficient  in  the  use  of 
the  musket,  and  all  the  essential  dis 
cipline  to  make  an  effective  army. 

On  the  1  3th  of  March,  1863,  broke 
camp,  and  the  army  moved  up  to  the 
rear  of  Port  Hudson.  Colonel  Molineux 
having  command  of  a  provisional  Brig 
ade  with  Nims'  Massachusetts  Battery, 
went  up  the  Clinton  Road,  while  the 
main  army  proceeded  down  the  Port 
Hudson  Road  about  eighteen  miles, 
skirmishing  the  Rebels  the  whole  way, 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


driving  their  pickets  and  scouts  as  they 
advanced. 

At  this  time  Port  Hudson  was  strongly 
manned,  there  being  from  23,000  to 
25,000  men  in  that  natural  stronghold. 
Manoeuvred  about  this  quarter  until  the 
2oth,  when  we  again  joined  the  main 
body  of  the  army  on  the  Port  Hudson 
Road,  returning  to  Baton  Rouge, 
Louisiana. 

This  movement  was  made  to  attract 
the  attention  of  the  enemy,  and  enable 
Admiral  Farragut'  s  boats  to  proceed  up 
the  river  past  the  fort  that  here  impeded 
his  passage.  This  was  a  bold  but  bril 
liantly  successful  move,  that  only  an 
"iron  Farragut"  could  have  accom 
plished.  This  blind  enabled  General 
Banks  to  more  successfully  pursue  his 
future  designs,  as  the  enemy  had  been 
led  to  suppose  by  the  formidable  move 
ments  around  Port  Hudson  that  a  gen 
eral  attack  was  to  be  made  at  once  to 
reduce  the  place.  Subsequent  events 
exhibited  the  picture  in  a  different  light. 


-Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


From  the  2oth  to  the  28th  of  March 
we  were  kept  in  readiness  to  move  at  a 
moment's  notice.  Finally,  the  suspense 
was  removed  and  we  proceeded  on 
board  the  transport  ship  Laurel  Hill,  to 
Donaldsonville,  La.,  where  we  landed 
in  a  drizzling  rain,  about  10  o'clock, 
P.  M.,  with  mother  earth  for  a  couch 
and  the  broad,  moist  sky  for  a  canopy. 
Active  campaigning  was  now  fairly  in 
augurated. 

On  the  3ist  of  March  the  troops 
moved  for  Thibodeaux,  La.  The  i5Qth 
was  detailed  in  charge  of  supplies  and 
Regimental  property,  and  proceeded  by 
boat  up  the  Bayou  Lafourche,  arriving 
at  Thibodeaux  April  ist.  On  the  3d 
we  moved  to  the  Railroad  Station  at 
Terra  Bone,  taking  the  cars  for  Bayou 
Bueff,  where  we  arrived  on  the  4th. 
Remained  here  until  the  Qth.  Arrived 
at  Brasher  City,  La.,  on  the  nth,  in 
company  with  the  i3th  Connecticut, 
26th  Maine,  and  a  detachment  of  Cav 
alry.  Boarded  river  steamer  Laurel 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


Hill,  and  proceeded  up  Berwick  Bay, 
into  Grand  Lake,  accompanied  by  Gro- 
ver's  Division,  numbering  about  8,000 
men.  Had  with  us  three  small  gun 
boats,  moving  cautiously.  Reached 
the  Bend  without  disaster,  the  gun-boats 
shelling  the  woods  and  covering  the 
landing  of  the  troops,  which  took  place 
on  the  morning  of  the  1  3th.  Skirmish 
ing  lines  were  thrown  out  immediately. 
The  Lake  is  three  or  four  miles  wide  at 
this  place,  and  is  called  Shell  Bend. 
Having  all  ashore  and  everything  in 
good  order,  the  enemy  in  sight,  we  re 
tired  for  the  rest  we  needed,  little  real 
izing  the  hard  fight  before  us.  Lay  in 
skirmish  line  all  night.  A  few  of  our 
men  were  wounded. 

At  early  dawn  of  the  I4th  of  April, 
the  lines  advanced  without  breakfast, 
marching  about  a  mile  and  a  half.  The 
enemy  was  strongly  posted  in  a  wood  at 
a  bend  in  the  Bayou.  Covered  by  the 
gun-boats,  the  25th  and  i3th  Connecti 
cut  and  26th  Maine,  commanded  by 

9 


Regiment,  N.Y.  S.  V. 


Colonel  Birge,  were  skirmishing  briskly 
in  front.  Colonel  Molineux  was  ordered 
to  take  his  Regiment,  the  I59th,  and 
advance  and  charge  the  woods. 

We  advanced  in  good  style  over  a 
plowed  cane-  field  in  line,  passing  over 
the  26th  Maine,  who  were  lying  down. 
Passed  the  skirmish  line  of  the  25th 
Connecticut,  who  were  under  cover  of 
the  cane  on  our  right.  Several  of  our 
men  fell  in  the  advance.  Reached  with 
in  pistol  shot  of  the  fence  and  wood  where 
the  enemy  was  concealed.  Scarcely 
one  could  be  seen  while  they  poured  a 
most  effective  fire  on  us,  but  we  steadily 
advanced  'till  ordered  to  lay  down.  At 
this  time  the  men  were  nearly  exhausted, 
marching  at  double  quick  over  rough 
ground  with  heavy  knapsacks  ;  it  took 
a  little  time  to  catch  fresh  wind  and  un- 
burthen  ourselves  of  our  heavy  load. 
We  could  not  have  stopped  at  a  more 
uncomfortable  place,  for  the  enemy  gave 
it  to  us  hot  and  sweet,  while  we  did  not 
have  a  chance  to  see  them.  They  came 


i59t/i  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

out  of  the  wood  through  the  cane  to  the 
rear  of  our  right  flank,  and  right  on  top 
of  us.  We  no  doubt  would  have  layed 
there  'till  every  man  of  us  was  shot  had 
not  the  order  come  to  fall  back  to  the 
left.  Several  of  our  men  were  taken 
prisoners,  the  enemy  rushing  upon  us 
while  rising  up  from  our  position,  and 
poured  a  most  deadly  fire  into  us  with 
fearful  effect.  The  gist  N.  Y.  S,  Vol 
unteers  coming  down  to  our  aid,  the 
rebels  skedaddled,  but  not  without  some 
loss  and  a  number  taken  prisoners. 

Col.  Molineux  was  severely  wounded 
in  the  mouth,  Lieut-Col.  Draper  and 
Adjutant  Lathrop  were  killed;  the  Col 
onel,  Lieut-Colonel  and  Adjutant  were 
nobly  doing  their  duty  in  the  advance, 
leading  their  men.  No  officers  could 
have  done  better  or  been  more  brave. 
They  were  picked  out  by  the  enemy's 
sharpshooters  posted  in  the  trees  near  by. 

The  victory  was  ours,  though  the 
Regiment  paid  dearly  for  this,  their 
maiden  fight.  Second  Lieutenant  Lock- 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


wood,  of  Company  G,  was  killed  while 
nobly  leading  his  Company.  Lieuten 
ants  Plunket  and  Price  were  mortally 
wounded.  Lieutenant  Manley,  of  Com 
pany  A,  was  killed,  and  Lieutenant 
Tieman  and  Captain  Petit  were  slightly 
wounded.  Our  total  killed,  wounded 
and  missing  amounted  to  112,  viz:  6 
officers,  23  men  killed;  2  officers,  69 
men  wounded,  and  12  men  prisoners. 
Major  Burt,  who  was  on  General  Gro- 
ver's  staff,  now  assumed  command  of 
the  Regiment. 

The  9ist  N.  Y.  S.  Volunteers  were 
to  have  advanced  with  us  on  the  right, 
but  misunderstanding  the  order,  they 
failed  to  advance,  causing  us  to  be 
flanked  and  receive  a  heavy  enfilading 
fire  by  which  we  suffered  so  much. 

Our  Division  was  to  fall  on  the  rear  of 
the  enemy,  when  they  wjere  driven  from 
their  entrenched  position,  at  Bislin, 
south  of  Franklin.  The  strong  resist 
ance  at  Irish  Bend  was  to  make  good 


Regiment,   N.  Y.  S.  V. 


their  escape,  which  they  effected  at  the 
loss  of  a  large   number  of  prisoners. 

April  1  5th,  marched  up  Teche  18^ 
miles,  the  main  column,  under  General 
Banks,  in  advance.  Arrived  at  New 
Iberia,  where  Mills  and  Ashton,  of 
Company  K,  who  were  taken  prisoners 
at  Irish  Bend,  joined  the  Regiment,  the 
enemy  having  paroled  them. 

Arrived  at  Vermillion  Bayou,  and 
finding  the  bridges  burned,  had  to  re 
construct  them.  The  Regiment  was 
now  detailed  to  collect  cattle  through 
the  prairie  and  drive  them  to  Berwick 
City.  We  collected  about  three  thous 
and  head. 

A  detachment  of  the  Regiment  left  us 
to  gather  up  cotton  and  other  property 
laying  about  loose.  Arrived  safely  at 
Berwick  City,  and  returned  in  charge  of 
a  wagon  train  which  we  left  at  Opolosus, 
and  reported  to  the  Division  Com 
mander  at  Barrie's  Landing,  on  the 
Teche,  eight  miles  from  Opolosus. 

May  5th  broke  camp  and  marched  to 
13 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


Little  Washington,  La.,  and  from  there 
to  Wells'  Plantation,  where  we  went  in 
to  camp.  Left  Welles'  Farm  and 
marched  to  Simsport,  a  distance  ol 
eighty  miles,  where  we  arrived  on  the 

1  8th,  and  crossed  the  Mississippi,  land 
ing  at  Boyou  Sara,  on  the  night  of  the 

2  1  st. 

The  24th  day  of  May  brought  us  close 
to  the  enemy's  outer  works  in  front  of 
Port  Hudson,  after  marching  the  distance 
of  eight  hundred  miles  from  the  28th 
day  of  March  to  the  24th  day  of  May. 

Our  position  now  placed  us  under  a 
heavy  fire  and  shelling  from  the  fort. 
The  enemy  well  knowing  the  Road  we 
were  obliged  to  advance  on,  poured  an 
accurate  fire  upon  our  line.  But  few 
casualties  occurred,  although  some  nar 
row  and  hair-breadth  escapes  happened. 

On  the  25th  of  May,  skirmishing  all 
day.  Result,  four  of  our  men  killed. 
At  noon  our  men  were  relieved  from 
picket,  and  the  Regiment  ordered  to 
the  right  of  our  Division.  A  general 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


movement  was  made  along  the  lines, 
and  our  Regiment  was  selected  to  at 
tack  a  portion  of  the  enemy's  works, 
and  storm  it.  The  25th  Connecticut 
Volunteers  was  consolidated  with  us, 
commanded  by  Major  Burt.  It  was 
necessary  to  make  a  circuitous  route 
three  miles  through  the  woods  to  the 
right,  to  reach  the  position  to  be  at 
tacked,  exposed  the  whole  way  to  a 
continued  and  terrific  fire  of  shot  and 
shell;  but  our  boys  unflinchingly  pressed 
on  through  ravines,  over  felled  trees, 
and  all  sorts  of  intricacies  natural  and 
artificial.  The  final  assault  was  to  be 
made  upon  an  almost  perpendicular 
slope.  "Forward!"  was  the  word, 
and  persistently  we  advanced,  reaching 
just  under  and  near  the  parapet,  but  the 
fire  was  like  hail;  the  Color  Bearer  was 
shot  dead  and  the  color  staff  shot  from 
his  hands,  but  it  was  again  secured  and 
brought  off.  We  lay  in  this  position 
for  some  hours  unable  to  advance  or 
retreat;  it  seemed  almost  impossible  for 
15 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


one  to  escape  under  such  a  fire.  A 
number  of  our  men  remained  in  this 
position  until  after  dark,  when  the  firing 
ceased.  Shortly  after  midnight,  the 
enemy  supposing  we  still  lay  close  to 
their  works,  sallied  out  and  poured  a 
heavy  volley  into  the  position  from 
which  we  had  been  very  prudently  re 
moved  but  a  short  time  previous.  We 
captured  one  Captain  and  eight  sharp 
shooters  in  ambush  outside  the  works; 
this  was  but  little,  yet  it  furnished  some 
satisfaction  for  our  loss.  This  was  in 
advance  of  any  previous  attack,  several 
of  which  were  made  during  the  day. 
Our  loss  on  this  eventful  day  was  21 
men  killed  and  38  wounded.  From  this 
time  until  June  I4th  we  were  almost 
continually  in  the  rifle  pits. 

June  1  4th  was  selected  for  a  general 
assault.  The  advance  stormers,  led  by 
the  gallant  Colonel  PAINE,  of  the  4th 
Wiscc  nsin  Volunteers,  who  had  been  act 
ing  Brigadier  General  for  some  time  pre 
vious,  pressed  on  under  the  most  severe 

16 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


fire.  A  number  succeeded  in  penetrat 
ing  the  enemy's  works,  but  owing 
to  the  obstructions  we  were  obliged  to 
pass  over,  the  advance  could  not  be  sup 
ported  with  the  necessary  rapidity  for 
the  success  of  the  scheme.  Colonel 
Paine  being  severely  wounded  early  in 
the  action,  materially  injured  the  success 
of  the  enterprise.  The  wounded  Col 
onel  lay  in  such  a  position  that  he  could 
not  be  removed  until  after  dark;  several 
attempts  were  made  but  the  parties  were 
either  killed  or  wounded  in  their  noble 
efforts.  It  was  in  this  engagement  that 
the  gallant  Colonel  COWLES,  of  the 
1  28th,  lost  his  life  while  leading  his  men 
to  the  assault. 

Shortly  after  midnight  we  left  the  pits 
where  we  had  been  for  several  days,  to 
join  the  column  of  attack  coming  up  at 
daylight,  having  to  defile  through  the 
woods  several  miles.  General  Grover's 
Division  supported  the  advance.  The 
1  59th  advanced  under  a  severe  fire 
through  a  ravine  and  over  obstructed 
17 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


ground  to  a  commanding  position,  a 
knoll  overlooking  the  enemy's  works; 
here  we  lay  in  position  until  between 
three  and  four  o'clock,  p.  m.  ,  the 
enemy  firing  a  continuous  volley  over 
our  heads.  No  thanks  to  them  that  our 
craniums  escaped.  It  was  contemplated 
to  make  a  second  assault,  and  we  were 
ordered  to  the  left,  some  distance  over 
clear  and  exposed  ground  to  join  the 
forces  in  waiting  for  this  purpose.  We 
remained  here  until  after  dark,  and  the 
firing  having  ceased,  further  attempts 
were  deferred,  and  we  moved  back  to 
to  the  position  we  gained  in  the  morn 
ing,  and  were  set  to  work  fortifying,  but 
were  soon  relieved  by  colored  entrench- 
ers,  and  returned  to  our  quarters  in  the 
woods,  which  we  reached  in  the  small 
hours  of  the  morning,  greatly  fatigued. 
Our  loss  on  this  occasion  was  not  severe; 
12  men  wounded. 

To  reduce  the  place  was  the  work 
assigned,  and  it  must  be  accomplished. 
General  Banks  issued  an  order  on  the 

^    18 


Regiment,   N.  Y.S.V. 


1  5th  of  June,  congratulating  the  troops 
for  their  behavior  and  close  investment 
of  the  stronghold,  and  calling  for  1,000 
Volunteers  from  the  forces  to  form  a 
storming  column  or  "a  forlorn  hope." 
Soon  more  than  the  required  number 
were  on  hand,  and  formed  into  two 
Battalions,  to  be  commanded  by  General 
Birge.  It  did  not  become  necessary  to 
make  this  assault.  General  Gardner 
hearing  of  the  fall  of  Vicksburg,  capit 
ulated  on  the  8th  of  July. 

Every  thing  being  satisfactorily  ar 
ranged,  our  forces,  preceded  by  the 
storming  party,  entered  the  fortification 
and  filed  past  6,000  brave  but  discomfited 
"  Gray  Backs;  "  freedom's  emblem,  the 
Stars  and  Stripes,  was  soon  hoisted, 
saluted  by  a  discharge  from  the  guns 
which  had  so  recently  belched  forth 
death  against  our  lines. 

On   the    nth  of  July  we  proceeded 

down   the   river  to    Donaldsonville  on 

board  the  steamer  Iberville.  The  enemy 

a  few  nights  prior   to   the    surrender, 

19 


i59th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

made  a  desperate  attack  on  a  small 
garrison  in  the  fort  at  this  place,  but 
were  repulsed  with  severe  loss.  The 
garrison  numbered  not  more  than  four 
hundred ;  more  than  three  hundred  of 
the  enemy  were  seriously  wounded. 
The  enemy  was  posted  just  behind  the 
town  ;  batteries  were  placed  along  the 
levee  at  numerous  places  ;  several  boats 
had  been  destroyed,  and  the  transpor 
tation  of  supplies  was  getting  quite 
precarious,  but  the  surrender  of  Port 
Hudson  put  a  stop  to  their  amusement. 
We  landed  at  night,  slept  on  our  arms, 
and  woke  up  in  the  morning  close  to 
the  enemy's  pickets. 

On  the  1 4th  a  Brigade  commanded 
by  Colonel  Morgan,  of  the  goth  N.  Y. 
Volunteers,  advanced  upon  the  Bayou 
about  four  miles,  driving  the  enemy 
before  him.  The  i5Qth  was  on  his 
right  flank  doing  picket  duty,  and  the 
Company  I  belonged  to  was  on  the 
outside  post  in  command  of  Captain 
William  H.  Sliter.  Colonel  Morgan 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


came  up  to  us  and  ordered  us  to  go 
with  him.  The  Captain  told  him  he 
would  not  leave  his  post,  a  most  import 
ant  one,  that  the  whole  Brigade  depend 
ed  upon. 

On  the  fifteenth  the  enemy  made  a 
stand  under  cover  of  a  thick  wood, 
protected  by  heavy  artillery.  Finding 
our  forces  not  very  formidable,  the 
enemy  advanced  in  force  on  our  left 
flank,  taking  a  number  of  prisoners. 
Reinforcements  at  this  time  came  up, 
and  the  enemy  fell  back  west  of  the 
Atchafalya  River. 

July  1  6th  the  i5Qth  was  detailed  to 
guard  wagon  trains  on  the  west  side 
of  the  Mississippi.  Arrived  at  Carrol- 
ton,  where  we  were  allowed  to  rest, 
remaining  until  the  last  of  August,  when 
we  were  sent  to  Thibodeaux,  La.,  via 
Algiers. 

September  ist,  reached  Thibodeaux. 
General  Birge  was  in  command  of  the 
District  of  Lafourche.  Our  Regiment, 
with  the  1  3th  Connecticut,  was  detailed 


159th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

to  do  provost  and  picket  duty,  while  the 
other  troops  were  distributed  over  the 
District. 

Colonel  Molineux  was  appointed  on 
General  Franklin's  Staff  on  the  24th  of 
September.  We  remained  at  this  posi 
tion  until  March  i8th,  1864.  Quiet 
prevailed  during  our  advent  here,  only 
a  few  night  alarms  occuring,  causing 
the  long  roll  to  beat  and  the  men  to 
turn  out,  but  they  amounted  to  nothing 
serious. 

January  ist,  1864,  Lieutenant-Col 
onel  Burt  took  command  of  the  Regi 
ment  at  Thibodeaux,  Colonel  Molineux 
was  relieved  from  duty  on  General 
Franklin's  Staff,  and  assigned  to  com 
mand  the  Lafourche  District,  in  place 
of  General  Birge,  relieved  on  furlough. 

On  the  yth,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Burt 
resigned  his  Commission,  on  Surgeon's 
certificate,  and  was  honorably  dis 
charged,  and  the  command  devolved  on 
the  senior  officer,  Captain  Hart.  His 
reign,  however,  was  short.  Major  Gaul, 


i59th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

who  was  on  detached  service  at  Albany, 
N.  Y.,  was  appointed  Lieutenant-Colo 
nel,  vice  Burt,  and  Captain  Waltermire 
made  Major.  This  arrangement  was 
highly  satisfactory  to  the  whole  Regi 
ment. 

February  25th,  Lieutenant-Colonel 
Gaul  reported  for  duty  and  took  com 
mand  of  the  Regiment. 

A  new  Company  of  64  enlisted  men 
arrived  from  Hudson,  N.  Y.,  under 
command  of  Captain  James  S.  Reynolds, 
First  Lieutenant  E.  Spencer  Elmer,  and 
Second  Lieutenant  Peter  R. Van  Deusen. 
Old  Company  G  was  broken  up,  the 
men  distributed  through  the  Regiment, 
and  the  new  Company  installed  in  their 
place. 

On  the  igth  of  March  we  broke  camp 
for  the  spring  campaign,  having  been 
here  nearly  seven  months.  On  the  2ist 
took  cars  for  New  Orleans.  Arrived  at 
Algiers  on  the  24th.  Embarked  on 
board  the  James  Battel  and  arrived  at 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


Alexandria,    La.,   via.   Red  River,    on 
the  2yth  of  March. 

Marched  to  west  side  of  the  river  to 
Pineville  while  the  dam  was  being  built 
to  enable  the  gunboats  to  pass  down  the 
river.  Colonel  Molineux  was  relieved 
from  command  of  a  recruiting  party 
which  he  had  been  in  charge  of,  called 
the  '  '  Louisiana  Scouts,  '  '  but  the  Regi 
ment  nick-named  them  the  '  '  Jay-hawk 
ers."  The  gunboats  having  safely 
passed  the  dam,  the  army  commenced 
moving  back  on  the  Mississippi. 

May  nth,  the  i5Qth  with  some  artil 
lery  and  cavalry,  were  placed  in  charge 
of  Alexandria  and  defences,  under  Col 
onel  Molineux,  and  remained  there  while 
General  Banks  moved  on  Shreveport. 

The  engagements  of  Grandecore,  Sa- 
bine  Cross  Road  and  Cane  river,  oc 
curred  while  we  were  here.  General 
Banks  not  being  able  to  keep  up  his 
supplies,  as  the  gunboats  could  not  pass 
up  in  consequence  of  the  rapid  falling  of 
the  river,  was  obliged  to  fall  back. 
24 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


On  the  1  6th,  while  passing  through 
Marksville,  the  enemy  made  consider 
able  show  of  resistance.  The  union 
forces  deployed  in  line,  making  a  grand 
and  imposing  appearance,  extending  for 
several  miles  over  an  almost  level  plain. 
The  artillery  on  both  sides  belched  forth 
for  some  hours.  The  casualties  were 
light,  and  the  enemy  driven  back.  This 
is  called  the  '  '  Battle  of  Mansura.  '  ' 

On  the  i  Qth,  reached  Simsport;  this 
was  our  second  advent  here. 

The  enemy  continually  harrassed  us 
from  the  time  we  left  Alexandria,  from 
across  the  rivers  and  Bayous,  and  on 
our  flanks  and  rear,  but  accomplished 
but  little  damage. 

Crossed  the  river  on  the  steamer  Cum 
berland,  and  reached  Morganzi,  La., 
on  the  22d.  This  terminated  the  "Red 
River  Expedition"  of  1864. 

June  1  9th,  General  Grover's  Division 

proceeded  up  the  river  as  far  as  Fort 

Adams,  and  scoured  the  banks  on  either 

side  for  guerillas,  who  were  numerous, 

25 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


firing  into  all  boats  passing  on  the  river. 
Captured  a  few  prisoners  and  returned. 
July  2d,  Lieutenant-Colonel  Gaul  re 
signed,  on  account  of  disease  contracted 
in  the  campaign,  and  Major  Waltermire 
was  promoted  to  Lieutenant-Colonel. 

July  3d,  took  steamer  Lancaster,  and 
arrived  at  Algiers,  opposite  New  Orleans5 
at  6  p.  m.,  July  4th. 

July  lyth,  went  on  board  the  U.  S. 
Transport  Cahawba.  At  12  o'clock 
that  night  moved  down  the  river  and 
arrived  at  the  Rip  Raps  and  Fortress 
Monroe,  on  the  24th.  Received  water, 
and  on  the  25th  proceeded  up  the  James 
river,  arriving  at  Bermuda  Hundreds  at 
5  p.  m.  Move  up  to  the  entrenched 
position,  and  were  kept  continually 
moving  about  while  there. 

August  ist,  went  on  board  the  steamer 
Winona,  and  arrive  at  Washington,  D. 
C.,  the  next  day.  Put  baggage  on  cars 
for  Harpers  Ferry,  but  orders  counter 
manded  before  we  got  off.  Marched 
through  Washington  to  Tenallytown. 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.    V. 


Remained  there  until  the  i4th,  when  we 
started  to  join  General  Sheridan  in  the 
Shenandoah  Valley,  through  Snicker's 
Gap.  Crossed  Chain  Bridge  and  en 
camped  at  Owl  Run,  Va.,  that  night. 
Arrived  at  Leesburgh  on  the  i  yth  ; 
passed  through  Hamilton,  and  within 
four  miles  of  Snicker's  Gap.  Here  a 
dispatch  notified  us  that  the  enemy  was 
hurrying  to  cut  us  off  at  the  gap.  This 
notice  was  timely,  and  saved  us  a  serious 
disaster.  Immediately  moved  on,  forded 
the  Shenandoah  river,  marched  nearly 
all  night,  and  reached  Sheridan's  forces 
on  the  morning  of  the  i8th,  having 
marched  about  forty  miles  the  previous 
day  and  night. 

Fighting  had  been  going  on  in  that 
vicinity  for  some  time  before  we  ar 
rived.  Were  ordered  to  throw  up  tem 
porary  breast-works,  which  was  quickly 
accomplished. 

Early  in  the  morning  of  the  2ist, 
heavy  artillery  firing  was  heard  on  our 

right.     The  6th  and  8th  Corps  were  en- 

ay 


i59th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

gaged  in  a  heavy  battle  that  day,  and 
late  in  the  afternoon  our  Division  was 
moved  to  the  right  of  the  6th  Corps  and 
in  front  of  Charlestown.  In  this  engage 
ment  the  loss  was  heavy  on  both  sides. 

General  Sheridan  then  drew  his  forces 
back  to  the  rear  of  the  defences  of 
Harper's  Ferry,  at  Halltown,  the  igth 
Corps  covering  the  movement.  Our 
Regiment  was  put  on  picket  duty  behind 
Bolliver  Heights,  and  a  constant  picket 
firing  was  kept  up  on  both  sides. 

On  the  24th,  our  Regiment,  with  the 
22d  Iowa  and  nth  Indiana,  under  com 
mand  of  Colonel  McCauly,  advanced  on 
the  skirmish  line  to  reconnoiter  the 
enemy.  Drove  them  back  some  dis 
tance,  advancing  in  good  style  under  a 
heavy  fire,  and  maintained  our  position 
until  ordered  to  retire.  We  were  under 
a  heavy  artillery  fire  for  about  two  hours, 
and  our  Regiment  lost  one  officer  and 
twelve  men. 

Two  officers  and  sixty  picked    men 

were  selected  to  join  others  to  advance 

28 


i59th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

for  the  purpose  of  bringing  on  an  engage 
ment,  but  news  came  that  the  enemy 
had  retired.  The  cavalry  followed  them, 
and  occupied  Charlestown. 

A  grand  advance  was  ordered,  and  on 
the  3d  of  September  we  started  off  with 
four  days'  rations  in  our  haversacks. 

Advanced  to  near  Berryvllle,  where 
heavy  artillery  firing  was  heard  in  front, 
soon  followed  by  musketry,  gradually 
growing  more  rapid.  The  enemy  had 
gained  a  slight  advantage  on  the  left  of 
the  8th  Corps.  The  igth  Corps  moved 
quickly  to  their  support,  when  the 
enemy  fell  back,  but  firing  continued 
until  after  dark. 

On  the  morning  of  the  5th,  three 
lines  of  rude  breastworks  were  thrown 
up  in  double  quick  time — hand,  feet, 
bayonets,  tin  cups,  old  shoes,  every 
thing  was  brought  into  requisition  to  ac 
complish  the  work,  which  was  completed 
during  a  heavy  rain. 

On  the  6th,  the  enemy  fell  back  to  the 
Opequan  Creek. 

29 


i59th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

On  the  yth  our  Regiment  proceeded 
to  the  Opequan,  reconnoitered  the 
enemy,  and  returned  the  same  day  after 
accomplishing  our  objects. 

On  the  nth  captured  the  8th  South 
Carolina  Regiment,  with  all  its  officers. 

September  iyth,  General  Grant  made 
a  short  visit  to  ' '  Little  Phil, ' '  which  was 
set  down  as  indicating  hard  work  ahead, 
in  which  supposition  we  were  not  disap 
pointed. 

At  i  o'clock,  A.  M.,  on  the  igth,  a 
general  movement  of  the  whole  army 
began.  Skirmishing  towards  Opequan 
Creek  became  more  and  more  brisk,  till 
it  assumed  all  the  proportions  of  a  fierce 
battle,  lasting  the  whole  of  the  day. 
Alternately  the  opposing  forces  were 
repulsed  in  turn,  either  side  contesting 
for  the  superiority  with  the  most  dogged 
persistency.  Only  the  ability  and  deter 
mination  of  the  gallant  "  Little  Phil." 
could  have  secured  success.  We  had  5 
men  killed,  4  officers  and  36  men 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


wounded,    and    i    officer  and  20   men 
taken  prisoners. 

The  enemy  was  closely  followed  up 
to  Fisher's  Hill,  behind  Strausburg,  a 
well  fortified  and  naturally  strong  posi 
tion.  —  Gaining  the  point  we  desired  on 
the  22d,  it  was  determined  to  force  the 
enemy  up  the  valley,  and  occupy  this 
stronghold. 

The  6th  Corps  was  thrown  around  to 
the  left  and  rear  of  the  enemy  by  the 
base  of  the  mountain  ;  this  movement 
took  almost  all  day.  The  8th  Corps 
was  on  the  left,  and  the  igth  in  the 
centre.  When  the  6th  Corps  reached 
sufficiently  near,  a  grand  movement  was 
made,  our  boys  forcing  the  centre.  This 
action  took  the  enemy  by  surprise  and 
they  retreated  up  the  valley  in  tall  style. 
About  a  thousand  were  not  able  to  carry 
out  their  intentions,  and  it  devolved  on 
us  to  pilot  them  to  the  rear. 

The  chase  was  kept  up  'all  night,  and 
we  reached  Woodstock  the  next  morn 
ing.     We   suffered    no    loss    on    this 
31 


Regiment,  N.  Y,  S.  V. 


occasion.  It  was  indeed  a  cheap  vic 
tory.  We  captured  a  number  of  horses 
and  wagons,  artillery,  and  any  quantity 
of  small  arms,  which  our  Regiment  was 
detailed  to  take  charge  of  and  convey  to 
Winchester,  with  the  prisoners. 

We  left  Woodstock  at  five  P.  M.,  and 
delivered  the  property  and  prisoners  at 
Winchester,  and  on  the  25th  started  for 
the  front  again,  in  charge  of  a  supply 
train. 

On  the  27th,  at  three  P.  M.,  arrived 
at  the  front  at  Harrisonburg,  having 
marched  over  one  hundred  miles  in  less 
than  four  days. 

On  the  30th,  the  6th  and  igth  Corps 
advanced  to  Mount  Crawford,  the  enemy 
showing  some  disposition  to  interrupt 
the  Cavalry.  Nothing  serious  being 
discovered,  we  fell  back  to  Harrison- 
burg.  Remained  here  until  October 
6th,  when  we  moved  back  to  New  Mar 
ket,  and  on  the  Qth  arrived  at  Wood 
stock.  Marched  'till  9  A.  M.,  arriving 
a  short  distance  south  of  Fisher's  Hill. 
32 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

The  enemy  finding  us  falling  back, 
closely  followed  after.  We  were  thrown 
into  line  on  either  side  of  the  road,  ready 
for  what  might  occur.  A  little  skir 
mishing  with  the  rear  guard  was  the 
only  demonstration,  and  at  four  P.  M. 
we  were  back  in  front  of  Fisher's  Hill, 
our  old  position.  On  the  gth,  General 
Rosier,  with  his  artillery  and  cavalry, 
hovered  about  our  rear,  being  closely 
watched  by  our  cavalry.  He  came  a 
little  too  near,  however,  and  our  cavalry 
dashed  at  him  and  captured  seven  or 
eight  guns  and  a  number  of  prisoners. 

On  the  i  ith  of  October,  marched  back 
to  the  north  side  of  Cedar  Creek,  which 
we  commenced  fortifying.  The  enemy 
brought  heavy  Batteries  and  shelled  the 
8th  Corps  camp  on  the  left.  The  trains 
were  sent  to  the  rear,  and  the  troops 
placed  in  line  ready  for  action,  but  the 
enemy  appeared  to  be  reconnoitering, 
and  fell  back  to  Fisher's  Hill. 

All  remained  quiet  until  the  morning 
of  the  i  Qth  of  October.  Early  had  re- 


53 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  K 


ceived  large  reinforcements  from  Rich 
mond,  and  now  made  a  last  desperate 
effort  to  redeem  his  lost  laurels  in  the 
valley.  It  was  a  well  executed  and 
daring  move,  and  for  a  time  promised 
success.  He  moved  his  men  during  the 
night  around  our  left  flank  by  the  base 
of  the  Blue  Ridge,  in  single  file,  many 
not  even  carrying  their  canteens,  fearful 
that  the  least  noise  would  be  made.  In 
this  manner  they  succeeded  in  reaching 
Middletown,  a  mile  and  a  half  in  the 
rear  of  our  breastworks  ;  before  daylight 
a  feint  was  made  on  our  right  to  attract 
our  attention  in  that  quarter;  a  short 
time  after  a  volley  or  two  of  musketry 
was  heard  on  our  left,  the  enemy  dash 
ing  on  the  8th  Corps  in  desperate  fury, 
completely  surprising  them.  So  sudden 
was  the  attack  that  many  were  captured 
before  they  had  time  to  leave  their  tents 
or  seize  their  muskets.  On  pressed  the 
successful  mass,  shouting  and  yelling  in 
the  wildest  manner. 

The  8th  Corps,   badly  demoralized, 

34 


159th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

poured  back  on  the  rear  of  the  igth 
Corps,  closely  pursued  by  the  enemy. 
Our  Division  was  going  out  to  recon- 
noiter,  and  were  in  line,  but  from  their 
position  could  do  but  little,  the  enemy 
being  in  our  rear,  so  that  not  a  shot 
could  be  fired  without  danger  to  our 
own  men.  The  ist  Division,  igth 
Corps,  was  sent  to  support  the  8th  Corps 
early  in  the  morning,  and  suffered  se 
verely,  meeting  the  first  onslaught  of 
the  enemy.  Our  Division  (the  2d)  took 
position  in  front  of  the  breastworks,  but 
being  of  no  service  there,  we  filed  to  the 
right  and  fell  back  to  the  rear  where  we 
could  be  re-formed  and  occupy  a  posi 
tion  in  front  of  the  enemy. 

The  enemy  steadily  pressed  us  back 
four  or  five  miles.  Matters  began  to 
look  blue,  when  the  dashing  ' '  Little 
Phil ' '  came  up  as  fast  as  his  noble  black 
steed  could  carry  him,  leaving  his  at 
tendants  far  in  the  rear.  The  noise  of 
the  battle  had  reached  him  at  Winches 
ter  early  in  the  morning.  The  appear- 

35 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


ance  of  Sheridan  immediately  instilled 
new  vigor,  energy  and  determination 
into  the  men.  He  passed  along  the 
whole  line  amid  the  most  marked  enthu 
siasm,  telling  the  men  they  would  quar 
ter  in  their  old  camp  again  that  night. 

The  broken  lines  were  speedily  re 
formed,  the  General  passing  along  hat 
in  hand,  encouraging  the  men.  This 
was  sufficient,  and  from  this  dates  the 
last  advent  of  Early  in  the  valley. 

It  was  now  our  turn.  The  enemy 
charged  us,  and  for  the  first  time  were 
repulsed.  We  pressed  on  determined 
to  win.  The  success  of  the  morning 
turned  to  a  most  irretrievable  and  disas 
trous  defeat  to  the  enemy.  They  were 
completely  routed,  suffering  a  terrible 
slaughter.  Twenty-four  guns  captured 
in  the  morning  were  retaken,  besides  a 
large  number  of  prisoners,  and  most  of 
the  enemy's  artillery,  numbering  over 
fifty  pieces.  Our  Regiment  took  16 
officers  and  34  men  as  prisoners,  in  this 
engagement.  We  lost  Captain  Rich- 
36 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


mond,  one  of  the  best  officers  in  the 
Regiment,  and  a  brave,  noble  fellow. 
He  was  shot  in  the  afternoon,  when  suc 
cess  began  to  turn  on  our  side.  None 
braver  paid  the  penalty  of  death  for  his 
country.  We  had  2  privates  killed,  10 
wounded,  and  5  taken  prisoners. 

The  cavalry  pressed  the  beaten  foe 
until  horse  flesh  could  do  no  more, 
taking  a  large  number  of  prisoners  and 
all  sorts  of  war  implements  and  mate 
rials.  Thus  was  this  long  day  spent  in 
fighting  and  running,  advancing  and  re 
treating,  now  one  side  victorious,  then 
the  other,  when  finally  success  crowned 
our  efforts. 

Major  Hart,  of  our  Regiment,  on 
General  Grover's  Staff,  was  wounded 
and  taken  by  the  Rebels.  He  was  not 
attended  to  in  time,  and  lost  so  much 
blood  as  to  cause  his  death. 

On  the  2oth,  the  forces  moved  about 
three  miles  up  the  valley,  overlooking 
Strausburg,  the  cavalry  continuing  the 
pursuit  to  Harrisonburg,  capturing  more 

37 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

artillery  and  wagons.  On  the  2ist 
moved  back  to  our  old  position  on 
Cedar  Creek. 

From  this  time  until  the  ist  of  January, 
1865,  the  men  were  engaged  in  erecting 
breastworks,  preparing  Winter  quarters, 
frequently  moving  and  occasionally  skir 
mishing  with  the  enemy  along  the  lines. 

The  24th  of  November  was  observed 
in  camp  as  Thanksgiving  Day,  and  all 
duties  were  stopped  that  could  be 
dispensed  with.  Thanks  to  our  kind 
friends  at  home,  we  were  provided  with 
a  bountiful  feast  of  turkeys,  chickens, 
pies  and  other  luxuries,  and  if  they 
could  have  witnessed  the  satisfaction  of 
the  men  on  that  occasion,  it  would  have 
been  ample  reward  for  their  generosity. 

January  6th,  1865,  moved  to  Harper's 
Ferry.  Arrived  in  Baltimore  next  morn 
ing  and  quartered  in  Barracks  on  Carrol 
Hill.  On  the  nth  Colonel  Waltermire 
took  command  of  the  Regiment,  and  we 
embarked  on  board  the  steamer  Sua- 
Noda,  for  Savannah.  General  Grover 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


and  Staff,  the  i28th  N.  Y.  S.  Volunteers 
and  the  24th  Iowa  were  on  the  same 
vessel. 

On  the  1  8th  cast  anchor  in  Warsaw 
Sound,  eight  miles  from  Savannah;  and 
on  the  2oth  the  Regiment  went  up  to 
the  city  on  river  boats,  and  were  quart 
ered  in  the  Central  Railroad  Depot. 

On  the  26th  were  moved  out  to  the 
fortifications,  on  the  West  side  of  the 
town. 

February  ist,  fresh  bread  was  issued 
with  our  rations,  which  was  a  luxury  to 
the  boys  so  long  kept  on  "  hard  tack." 
February  igth,  fired  a  rousing  salute  on 
hearing  of  the  occupation  of  Charleston 
by  the  Union  forces.  On  the  22d, 
celebrated  Washington's  Birth-day  in  a 
becoming  manner. 

March  gth,  were  ordered  on  board 
the  Tug  boat  U.  S.  Grant,  which  con 
veyed  us  to  Hilton  Head,  where  we 
went  into  Barracks. 

On  the  1  5th,  were  taken  on  board  U. 
S.  Transport  New  York,  a  splendid 

39 


Regiment,  N.  K  >S.  V. 


new  ship,  and  arrived  at  Charletson,  S. 
C.,  at  one  A.  M.,  on  the  i6th.  On  the 
i  yth  took  on  board  the  52d  Penn 
sylvania,  a  detachment  of  the  54th  New 
York,  and  the  28th  Iowa,  in  all  about 
i,  600  men.  Weighed  anchor  on  the 
1  8th  at  ten  and  a  half  o'clock  A.  M., 
and  moved  down  the  harbor.  This  gave 
us  an  excellent  opportunity  to  see  the 
dilapidated  city  and  its  approaches,  forti 
fications  and  defences;  the  latter  of  which 
were  exceedingly  formidable,  and  might 
be  considered  impregnable  from  the 
water  side. 

March  iQth,  anchored  off  Fort  Fisher, 
at  nine  o'clock  A.  M.,  when  we  received 
orders  to  report  at  Morehead  City,  N. 
C.  Reached  that  port  on  the  2oth, 
landed  on  the  2ist,  and  awaited  orders. 

April  5th,  intelligence  reached  us  of 
the  evacuation  of  Richmond  and  Peters 
burg,  which  caused  great  rejoicing 
throughout  the  camp.  This  was  fol 
lowed  by  the  more  encouraging  news  of 
Lee's  surrender  on  the  gth.  While 
40 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


these  great  victories  were  being  cel 
ebrated,  the  sad  intelligence  of  the  assas 
sination  of  President  Lincoln  reached 
camp,  and  cast  a  deep  sadness  over 
those  who  had  been  jubilant  but  the 
hour  before, 

May  3d,  ordered  to  report  back  to 
General  Grover,  at  Savannah.  Break 
camp,  and  embarked  on  board  steamer 
Star  of  the  South.  On  the  yth,  after  an 
eventful  trip,  disembarked  at  Savannah, 
and  found  the  City  remarkably  im 
proved  in  appearance  since  we  left  it. 

May  nth,  ordered  to  proceed  to 
Augusta.  Took  up  our  line  of  march 
in  a  heavy  rain  storm,  and  made  twelve 
miles  that  day  through  the  woods.  Next 
day  we  accomplished  over  twenty  miles. 
On  the  1  4th  an  Orderly  from  General 
Molineux'  Headquarters  reached  us,  to 
hurry  up  our  march.  The  I59th,  I28th 
and  I3ist  N.  Y.  S.  Volunteers  in  ad 
vance  of  all,  to  make  Wainsborough 
and  take  the  cars.  Reached  Augusta 


159th  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 

on  the  i yth,  pretty  well  used  up  from 
fatigue. 

June  yth,  a  general  review  of  all  the 
troops  by  General  Molineux,  on  which 
occasion  he  issued  a  congratulatory 
order  to  the  soldiers,  complimenting 
them  for  their  excellent  discipline,  and 
the  services  they  had  rendered. 

Here  the  Regiment  virtually  closed 
its  campaign,  nothing  further  of  note  oc 
curring  up  to  the  present  writing,  beyond 
the  usual  routine  of  camp  life  in  the  city. 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


List  of  Field,  Staff  and  Line  Officers  of  the 
i59th  Regiment  at  date  of  muster  into  the 
United  States  Service,  November  ist.,  1862: 

HOMER  A.  NELSON,  Colonel,  discharged. 

EDWARD  L.  MOLINEUX,  Lieutenant-Colonel, 
promoted  to  Colonel,  breveted  Brigadier  General, 
discharged. 

GILBERT  DRAPER,  Major,  promoted  to  Lieutenant- 
Colonel,  killed  at  Irish  Bend. 

ROBERT  LATHROP,  Adjutant,  killed  at  Irish  Bend. 

CHARLES  A.  ROBERTSON,  Surgeon,  discharged. 

WILLIAM  Y.  PROVOST,  First  Assistant  Surgeon, 
promoted  to  Surgeon,  discharged. 

CALEB  C.  BRIGGS,  Second  Assistant  Surgeon,  pro 
moted  to  Surgeon. 

MARK  D.  WILBER,  Quarter-Master,  discharged. 

EDWARD  L.  GAUL,  Capt.  Co.  A.,  promoted  to  Major 
and  Lieutenant-Colonel,  discharged. 

EDWARD  ATWOOD,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
WESLEY  BRADLEY.  Second  Lieut.,  died  of  fever. 

A.  J.  DAYTON,  Capt.  Co.  B,  discharged. 
HARRY  TIEMANN,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
ALFRED  GREENLEAF,  Second  Lieut.,  discharged. 

ARIEL  M.  GAMWELL,  Capt.  Co.  C,  discharged. 
CRAWFORD  WILLIAMS,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
EDWARD  HUBBEL,  Second  Lieut.,  discharged. 

JACOB  HATTRY,  Capt.  Co.  D,  discharged. 
LAWRENCE  LORETTE,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
JOHN  MANLY,  Second  Lieut.,  promoted  to  First  Lieut., 
killed  at  Irish  Bend.  , 

43 


Regiment,   N.  Y.  S.  V. 


WILLIAM  WALTERMIRE,  Capt.    Co.  E,   promoted  to 

Major,  Lieutenant-Colonel  and  Colonel. 
NATHAN  S.  POST,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
ROBERT  TRAVER,  Second  Lieut.,  discharged, 

ROBERT  McD.    HART,  Capt.    Co.    F.,    promoted  to 

Major,  killed. 

WILLIAM  BURTIS,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
GEORGE   W.   HUSSEY,  Second  Lieut.,   promoted  to 

Capt. 

WILLIAM  SLITER,  Capt.  Co.  G.  discharged. 
CHARLES  LEWIS,  First  Lieut.,  promoted  to  Colonel  of 

the  I76th  Regiment. 
BYRON    LOCKWOOD,  Second  Lieut.,  killed    at    Irish 

Bend. 

WELLES  O.  PETIT.  Capt.  Co.  H,  promoted  to  Major. 
CHARLES  C.  BAKER,  First  Lieut.,  promoted  to  Captain. 
GEORGE  R.  HERBERT,  Second  Lieut.,  detached. 

EDWARD  WARDLE,  Capt.  Co.  I,  discharged. 
JOHN  W.  SHIELDS,  First  Lieut.,  discharged. 
JACOB  FINGAR,  Second  Lieut.,  discharged. 

JOE  B.  RAMSDEN,  Capt.  Co.  K,  discharged. 
WILLIAM  PLUNKET,  First  Lieut.,  killed  at  Irish  Bend. 
DUNCAN   RICHMOND,    Second    Lieut.,    promoted    to 
Captain,  killed. 


Promoted  from  the  Ranks. 

William  F.  Tiemann to  Captain 

John  H.  Chariot Quarter-Master 

Edward  Tynan First  Lieutenant 

Barzilla  Ransom " 

Henry  M.  Howard 

Christopher  Branch " 

Alfred   Bruce " 

44 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


Lambert  Dingman  ..............  First  Lieutenant. 

Andrew  Rifenburgh  ............  "  " 

Edward  Duffy  ..................  "  " 

E.  Parmley  Brown  .............  " 

John  Day  ......................  " 

John  A.  Tiemann  ...............          " 

M.A.Dunham  ................  " 

William   Spanburgh  ............  Second   Lieutenant 

Charles  P.  Price  ................          "  " 

Herman  Smith...  "  <% 


List  of  Battles  and  Skirmishes  in  which  the 
Regiment  was  engaged. 

IRISH  BEND,  La.,  April  i4th  1863,  killed,  6  officers, 
23  enlisted  men  ;  wounded  4  officers,  69  enlisted  men  ; 
prisoners,  12.  Total  loss — 112. 

BEFORE  PORT  HUDSON,  La.,  May  26th,  1863,  killed, 
4  enlisted  men. 

PORT  HUDSON,  La.,  first  assault,  May  27th,  1863, 
killed,  21  enlisted  men  ;  wounded,  38.  Total  loss — 59. 

PORT  HUDSON,  second  assault,  June  i4th,  1863, 
wounded,  12  enlisted  men. 

MANSURA,  La.,  May  i6th,  1864.    No  casualties. 

HALLTOWN,  Va.,  August  24th,  1864,  killed,  i  enlisted 
man  ;  wounded,  i  officer,  10  enlisted  men  ;  prisoners, 
I  enlisted  man.  Total  loss — 13. 

BERRYVILLE,  September  3d,  1864,  killed,  i  enlisted 
man  ;  wounded,  2  enlisted  men.  Total  loss— 3. 

OPEQUAN,  Va.,  September  igth,  1864,  killed,  5 enlisted 
men  ;  wounded,  4  officers,  56  enlisted  men  ;  prisoners, 
i  officer,  20  enlisted  men.    Total  loss— 86. 
45 


I59*h  Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


FISHER'S  HILL,  Va.,  September  22d,  1864.  No  casu 
alties. 

CEDAR  CREEK,  Va.,  October  igth,  1864,  killed,  2 offi 
cers,  2  enlisted  men  ;  wounded,  i  officer,  10  enlisted 
men ;  prisoners,  5.  Total  loss— 20. 


General  Officers  under  whom  the  Regiment 
served  during  the  war. 

Generals  Banks,  Grover,  Auger,  Reynolds,  Emory, 
Birge,  Sherman,  Schofield,  Terry,  Gilmore,  Thomas, 
Sheridan,  Steedman,  Wright,  Canby,  Birney,  Moli- 
neux,and  King. 


List  of  Cities  and  Towns  the  Regiment  has 
visited  in  the  line  of  military  service. 

LOUISIANA— Baton  Rouge,  Donaldsonville,  Carroll- 
ton,  New  Orleans,  Algiers,  Terra  Bone,  Thiladuex, 
Brashar  City,  Bayou  Bueff,  Berwick  City,  Franklin, 
New  Iberie,  Vermillionville,  Washington,  Bears  Land 
ing,  Opolosus,  Chaneyville,  Simsport,  Bayou  Sara, 
Port  Hudson,  Clinton,  Alexandria,  Pineville,  Paterson- 
ville,  Mansura,  Williamsport,  Morganza,  Point  Coupee, 
Teunice  Bend,  and  Jefferson. 

VIRGINIA — Bermuda  Hundred,  Leesburgh,  Snick- 
erville,  Castle  Burough,  Berryville,  Charlestown, 
Halltown,  Harper's  Ferry,  Winchester,  Kernstovvn, 
Newtown,  Middletown,  Strasburgh,  Edenborough, 
Newmarket,  Mount  Jackson,  Harrisonburgh,  Mount 
Crawford,  Centerville,  Stephenson  Station,  and  Burse- 
ville. 

46 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  K 


GEORGIA  —  Savannah,  Alexandria,  Waynesborough, 
Allen,  Green,  Bashaw,  and  Augusta. 

DISTRICT  OF  COLUMBIA  —  Washington,  Georgetown, 
and  Tenallaytown. 

NORTH  CAROLINA—  Willmington,  and  Morehead 
City. 

SOUTH    CAROLINA—  Hilton    Head,  and  Charleston. 

MISSISSIPPI—  Fort  Adams. 

MARYLAND  —  Baltimore. 


River  Transportation  during  the  War. 

NAME  OF  BOAT  FROM  TO 

lS63. 

St.  Mary Baton  Rouge Donaldsonville. 

Empire  Parish Donaldsonville .   .  .Thibadaux. 

Laurel  Hill Brasher  City Irish  Bend. 

Empire   Parish...  Symsport Bayou  Sara. 

Laurel  Hill Port  Hudson Donaldsonville. 

Gen.  Banks Carrollton Algiers. 

1864. 

James   Bartlet...   .Algiers Alexandria. 

Ohio  Belle Morganza Fort  Adams. 

Lancaster  No.  3... Morganza New  Orleans. 

Wynonah Bermuda  Hundred. .Washington. 

1865. 

Clifton Warsaw  River Savannah. 

U.  S.  Grant Savannah Hilton  Head. 

H.  M.  Wells U.  S.  T.  New  York.  .Morehead  City. 


Regiment,  N.  Y.  S.  V. 


Sea  Voyagesof  the  Regiment  during  the  War. 

NAME  OF  BOAT  FROM  TO 

1862. 

Northern  Light . .  New  York Baton  Rouge. 

1864. 
Cohola  New  Orleans Bermuda  Hund. 

1865. 

Suwo-Noda Baltimore Savannah. 

New  York Hilton  Head Morehead  City. 

Star  of  the  South..  Morehead  City Savannah. 


List  of  Field,  Staff  and  Line  Officers  now  in 
command  of  the  Regiment. 

Colonel—  WILLIAM  WALTERMIRE. 

JHlyYw—  WELLS  O.  PETIT. 

Acting  Adjutant—  GE.ORGE  B.  STALEY. 

Surf  eon—  CALEB  C.  BRIGGS. 

Acting  Quarter-Master—  E.  SPENCER  ELMER. 

Company  A.  —  Capt.  WILLIAM  F.  TIEMANN. 

B.  —  First  Lieut.  JOHN  DAY. 

C.  —  First  Lieut.  BARZILLA  RANSOM. 

"         D.  —  First  Lieut.  E.  PARMLEY  BROWN. 

E.  —  First  Lieut.  ANDREW  RIFENBURGH. 
"         F.—  Capt.  GEORGE  W.  HUSSEY. 
"         G.—  Capt.  James  S.  REYNOLDS 


I.—  First  Lieut.  EDWARD  TYNAN. 
K.—  First  Lieut.  E.  SPENCER  ELMER. 

48 


M160937 

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THE  UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  UTOARY 


